Ohio’s November 2010 and 2011 ballots could include measures that could make life better for animals within the state’s borders.

Treatment of farm animals
On Monday, the group Ohioans for Humane Farms submitted a petition to Ohio attorney general calling for an anti-cruelty measure to be placed on the statewide ballot for November.

If enacted, the new law would set minimum standards for the treatment of farm animals. In a statement from the Farm Sanctuary, the organization adds the proposed legislation will “enhance food safety, protect the environment and strengthen Ohio family farms.”

The petition included signatures from voters in 48 counties. Ohioans for Humane Farms now plans to collect more than 600,000 signatures to show support for the measure.
Along with the Farm Sanctuary, the movement is also backed by the Humane Society of the United States, Ohio SPCA, Toledo Area Humane Society, Geauga Humane Society, Ohio League of Humane Voters, Center for Food Safety, United Farm Workers, Consumer Federation of America and Center for Science in the Public Interest.

The press release notes the key elements of the proposal include preventing the following: extreme confinement of farm animals in small cages, the use of “downer cows” in the human food chain and the use of inhumane methods of euthanasia for sick and injured animals.

Farm Sanctuary president Gene Baur was quoted as saying, “Ohioans oppose cruelty and believe that all animals, including farm animals, deserve to be protected, In November, Ohioans will have the opportunity to make their voices heard and phase out some of the worst factory farm abuses.”

Banning Ohio dog auctions
The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions is feverishly collecting signatures for the Ohio Dog Auctions Act. The group needs at least 120,700 signees by December 1 to gain a spot on the November 2011 ballot.
The legislation would be similar to Pennsylania’s statute, in making it illegal to auction or raffle off dogs in the state and prohibit dogs from being transported in for sale or trade that are acquired by auction or raffle elsewhere.

This will hopefully prove to be another important step in the battle to close down the puppy mill industry. The auction process that this organization is targeting is the close sibling to the puppy mill trade.

Does the effort in Ohio and in other states mark a growing trend for animal welfare laws across the country? There is a long road to go, but I hope the train is at least beginning to build momentum.

About This Blog

Tom Grady is a Wilmington native and an animal lover, since his days as a Port City toddler. He’s spent a lifetime studying animals and over the last two decades promoting the preservation of wildlife habitat and the adoption of homeless pets.

The missions of the Cape Fear Critters Blog include reporting on animal and pet-related news, highlighting issues as they relate to pets and wildlife and to help homeless pets find loving homes.